Marlon Samuels, the West Indies player, has been suspended from bowling in international cricket because of a suspect action.

The ban was imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday following an independent analysis of Samuel's bowling action, which was carried out at the National Cricket Academy, based at Loughborough University, on February 11.

"Samuels has been suspended from bowling in international cricket pending fresh assessment after independent analysis of his bowling action revealed that his off-break and fast deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under regulations," the ICC said in a statement.

Although only his fast deliveries were reported as suspect, the ICC process required his general action, including his fast delivery, to be analysed.

Primarily a batsman, Samuels was reported by umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar last month for a suspected illegal bowling action with regard to his 'faster ball' during the West Indies' third Test against South Africa in Durban.

The 27-year-old, who has taken just seven Test wickets as an off-spinner at an expensive average of 127, got through more overs than usual in Durban because of an injury to Chris Gayle.

Samuels has the right to appeal the ICC's ruling.